GEN Z'S STREAMING HABITS UNDER ATTACK

Kaspersky reveals how cybercriminals are targeting anime, blockbusters, and streaming platforms to exploit young viewers online.

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In a world where fandom meets digital fluency, Gen Z’s favorite content—anime, streaming platforms, and blockbuster franchises—has become more than entertainment. It’s identity. But according to new research from global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, it's also becoming bait.

Between Q2 2024 and Q1 2025, Kaspersky detected more than 250,000 cyberattacks disguised as popular anime alone, with titles like Naruto, Demon Slayer, and Attack on Titan leading the hit list. These aren't random phishing attempts—they’re highly targeted attacks crafted to blend into the streaming habits and fandoms that define a generation.

From Anime to Malware

Anime is more than a pop culture phenomenon—its a digital magnet. Over 65% of Gen Z regularly watch anime, making them the most engaged generation in the genre's history. That deep emotional investment makes them highly susceptible to socially engineered threats.